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Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade

Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 US

Line-up Volunteer High Priority

You must be 16 or older to volunteer for this task.

November 22, 2025

Details

Position Summary:

Line-Up Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and timely organization of parade participants before the parade begins. This position involves helping parade entries find their assigned spot, answering basic questions, and keeping the line-up area safe and orderly.

Key Responsibilities:

- Greet parade participants as they arrive at the staging area
- Assist entries in locating their designated line-up position
- Help maintain a smooth flow of traffic and pedestrian movement in the staging area
- Communicate any issues or concerns to the Parade Coordinator
- Answer general questions and provide directions when needed
- Ensure participants are ready and in place for the parade step-off
- Maintain a positive, friendly, and professional attitude

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 16 years old (or accompanied by an adult if younger)
- Comfortable standing and walking for extended periods
- Good communication and problem-solving skills
- Ability to stay calm in a busy or crowded environment
- Reliable, punctual, and able to follow instructions

Additional Information:

- Dress for the weather – the event takes place outdoors, rain, snow or shine
- Safety vest and identification badge will be provided

A brief orientation will be provided prior to the event

If you're enthusiastic about community events, enjoy working with people, and want to be part of a beloved holiday tradition, we’d love to have you on our team!

Location

Meet at the corner of Newberry and Division Ave.

Parade Entry Chaperone High Priority

You must be 16 or older to volunteer for this task.

November 22, 2025

Details

Position Summary:

Parade Entry Chaperones are assigned to specific parade entries to help monitor their group’s safety, organization, and movement throughout the parade. Chaperones ensure that entries stay together, follow parade rules, and maintain spacing along the route.

Key Responsibilities:

- Connect with your assigned entry in the staging area before parade step-off
- Help keep the group organized and safely together throughout the parade
- Ensure participants follow all parade guidelines (e.g., no throwing candy, keeping pace)
- Serve as a point of contact between parade organizers and the entry if issues arise
- Assist with crowd control and spacing as needed
- Walk the entire parade route, through disassembly, with your assigned group

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 16 years old
- Comfortable walking .75 - 1 miles at a slow to moderate, yet steady pace
- Responsible, observant, and able to manage small groups in a public setting
- Friendly and approachable with strong communication skills
- Ability to respond calmly to minor emergencies or logistical issues

Additional Information:

- Dress for the weather – the event takes place outdoors, rain, snow or shine
- Safety vest and identification badge will be provided

A brief orientation will be provided prior to the event

Ideal for teachers, scout leaders, parents, or community-minded individuals

By volunteering as a Parade Entry Chaperone, you’re helping ensure the safety and enjoyment of participants and spectators alike—thank you for supporting this cherished holiday tradition!

Corner Marshal High Priority

November 22, 2025

Details

Position Summary:

Corner Marshals are stationed at key intersections along the parade route to help ensure the safety of spectators and participants. They play a vital role in crowd control, traffic monitoring, and keeping the parade route clear for entries. Corner Marshals act as the “eyes and ears” of the event along the route.

Key Responsibilities:

- Monitor assigned corner or intersection along the parade route
- Prevent spectators from entering the street or interfering with parade entries
- Alert parade staff to any safety concerns, medical issues, or emergencies
- Assist with maintaining clear access for emergency vehicles, if needed
- Provide basic directions or information to spectators when asked
- Remain at your assigned post until parade conclusion and dismissed by event staff

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 16 years old
- Reliable, alert, and able to stand for the duration of the parade
- Comfortable giving direction and interacting with the public
- Calm under pressure and able to respond appropriately to safety issues
- Able to communicate clearly with parade staff (radio or cell phone)

Additional Information:

- Dress for the weather – the event takes place outdoors, rain, snow or shine
- Safety vest and volunteer badge will be provided
- Corner locations will be assigned before the event

Orientation and safety briefing will be provided prior to the event

Ideal for individuals interested in public safety, events, or community service

Being a Corner Marshal is a great way to support the community and help keep the Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade fun, festive, and safe for everyone!

Candy Elf Low Priority

You must be 12 or older to volunteer for this task.

November 22, 2025

Details

Position Summary:

Candy Elves bring extra holiday cheer by handing out (not throwing!) candy to parade spectators along the route. Dressed in festive attire, Candy Elves follow Santa at the end of the parade and safely distribute candy while engaging the crowd with smiles and good cheer.

Key Responsibilities:

- Distribute candy by hand to spectators along the parade route (throwing candy is not allowed for safety reasons)
- Interact positively with paradegoers—especially children—with smiles and enthusiasm
- Help maintain a safe distance between the crowd and parade vehicles/floats
- Keep pace with the end of the parade to maintain proper spacing

Qualifications:

- Must be at least 12 years old (ages 12–15 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Able to walk approximately .75 - 1 miles during the parade
- Friendly, festive, and comfortable engaging with the public
- Willing to wear holiday-themed attire (elf costumes, Santa hats, etc.) – basic accessories may be provided

Additional Information:

- Dress for the weather – the event takes place outdoors, rain, snow or shine
- Volunteers must follow all parade safety guidelines
- Candy must be handed directly to spectators—no tossing or throwing
- Candy will be provided, but feel free to bring extra (nut-free and individually wrapped only) if desired

Brief instructions will be given before the parade begins

Join us as a Candy Elf and help spread sweetness and smiles at one of West Michigan’s most beloved holiday events!

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